This week we’re continuing our sermon series on The Gospel of Mark.  I’m looking forward to being back in the pulpit after having been on sabbatical.  We’ll be in Mark 8:31 to 9:1 this Sunday and Jesus will tell the disciples that He’s going to die and rise again.  Peter reacts, well, poorly.  And so Jesus goes on to teach them how to face suffering in a godly manner.  It should be informative.

Of course, when I planned out this sermon series over a year ago, I had no idea that we would be facing a worldwide infectious disease crisis that has brought a great deal of suffering to so many people around the world.  As it’s just starting to arrive in force in our area (9 cases in Virginia as of yesterday), we need to begin preparing ourselves for it.  Because we can face it in an ungodly manner or in a way that honors our Lord. 

With that said, I want to let you know that the Session has been addressing how we’re going to deal with the Coronavirus.  Tomorrow you will receive a longer than normal letter in which I will address it pastorally.  Then on Friday, we’ll be sending out a plan on how we will address it on Sunday morning with regard to worship (and all our activities, including communion) followed by a more specific message addressing the safety of the nursery.  So please be on the lookout for those messages.  Most of all, our response as followers of Jesus should not be one of panic, but one of prayer.  We need to be prepared, but we also need to have a Biblical perspective.  So, let’s strive to respond to the Coronavirus in a way that honors Christ and cares for our souls.  As of now, I’ll see you on Sunday, Dr. Dave

Update: Since Loudoun County Public Schools has closed through March 20, we will be sending out the pastoral letter and the plan for worship today (3/12).